Santa Rita No. 1
historical marker
In Austin, Travis County, a historical marker recognizes Santa Rita No. 1. This commemorates an oil well originally drilled in Reagan County, Texas. Drilling began on January 8, 1921, and after nearly two years, oil gushed on May 28, 1923. Named for Santa Rita, patron saint of impossible causes, the well proved oil existed in the Permian Basin. It was the first producing oil well on Permanent University Fund lands. Royalties from Santa Rita No. 1 significantly funded the University of Texas System and Texas A&M University System. The original rig was moved to the University of Texas at Austin campus in 1940. It was then partially reconstructed and unveiled in 1958. This site marks a pivotal moment in the financial development of Texas's public universities.